Spain has officially cemented its status as the best-ever football team in Europe by defeating England 2-1 in the Euro 2024 final, becoming the first side to win four titles. Their previous triumphs came in 1964, 2008, and 2012. Germany, with three titles, now ranks second. For England, it was another heartbreaking defeat, marking the first time a team has lost back-to-back Euro finals. Four years ago, they lost to Italy in a penalty shootout, and this time, it was Mikel Oyarzabal’s late strike that shattered their dreams.

The final, held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, saw Spain deliver a dominant performance against a resilient England side. Despite the overwhelming support for England in the stadium, Luis de la Fuente’s team maintained 66% ball possession and had 16 shots on target, showcasing their superior skills and strategy. Spain’s ability to control the game was evident from the start, with England spending most of the first half chasing the ball.

The game remained goalless until the second half, with Spain’s persistent pressure finally paying off. Nico Williams broke the deadlock just after play resumed, scoring from a setup by his fellow star winger, Lamine Yamal. This early second-half goal put England on the back foot, but they managed to equalize through Cole Palmer in the 73rd minute. Palmer’s goal, a stunning effort, brought England back into the game and raised hopes of extra time.

However, Spain’s persistence paid off in the 86th minute when Mikel Oyarzabal scored the decisive goal. Oyarzabal slid in to poke home Marc Cucurella’s cross, securing Spain’s victory just when the game seemed destined for extra time. Spain’s control of the game was further demonstrated by their ability to manage the final minutes, despite a late scare from England.

The match had its share of drama and turning points. In the first half, Spain controlled the game but struggled to convert their dominance into goals. It wasn’t until stoppage time at the end of the first half that either team managed a shot on target, with Phil Foden’s effort from a Declan Rice free-kick being easily saved by goalkeeper Unai Simon. Spain suffered a setback when their outstanding holding midfielder, Rodri, injured himself while blocking a Harry Kane shot. Rodri’s departure could have thrown Spain off course, but his replacement, Martin Zubimendi, helped maintain their momentum.

Spain’s opening goal was a testament to their attacking prowess. Yamal collected a Dani Carvajal pass and darted inside, releasing a pass for Williams, who scored with a controlled, low first-time shot across Jordan Pickford into the far corner. This goal forced England to chase the game, a situation they had faced and overcome in each of their three previous knockout games.

England manager Gareth Southgate made a tactical switch, taking off Harry Kane on the hour mark and sending on Ollie Watkins, a substitution that had proved successful in their semi-final win against the Netherlands. Spain continued to press for a second goal, and their fans began to greet every successful pass with an ‘ole’. Southgate then introduced Cole Palmer for Kobbie Mainoo, and within three minutes, Palmer brought England level. Bukayo Saka’s cross was laid off by Jude Bellingham for Palmer, who scored with a low first-time effort into the corner.

Despite England’s resurgence, Spain had the final say. Oyarzabal, who had come on as a substitute, played the ball out to Marc Cucurella on the left before racing into the middle to turn his teammate’s low cross into the net, staying just onside. Spain held on to their lead, with Dani Olmo making a vital clearance off the line to deny Marc Guehi in the dying moments.

Spain’s victory in the Euro 2024 final not only secured their fourth European Championship title but also reinforced their reputation as a powerhouse in international football. Their ability to control the game, coupled with clinical finishing, proved too much for England, who will need to regroup and look ahead to future tournaments. For now, Spain celebrates a historic achievement, having firmly established themselves as the best team in Europe.